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Walter Boy

Popularity: #256 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationWAL-ter / /ˈwɔːltər/

German; Old High German

Meaning

German: ruler of the army; Old High German: powerful warrior

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Walter has its roots in the Germanic elements "wald" meaning "rule" and "heri" meaning "army." The name was originally recorded in the form of "Walthari" in Old High German, which later evolved into "Walter" as it passed through various linguistic stages. The name made its way into Old French as "Gautier" before being adopted into Middle English, where it became widely used among the Anglo-Norman nobility following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.

Historically, Walter has been borne by several notable figures, including Walter of St. Victor, a 12th-century theologian, and Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and writer of the late 16th century. The name also appears in various medieval texts, including the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who used it in his writings during the late 14th century. Additionally, the name Walter is found in the context of the Bible, particularly in translations like the King James Bible, which contributed to its recognition in English-speaking cultures.

Culturally, the name Walter has been associated with strength and leadership due to its etymological roots. It has been used in various literary and historical contexts, symbolizing nobility and valor. The diminutive form "Walt" has also emerged, reflecting a more informal and affectionate usage. Overall, Walter has maintained a significant presence in European history and literature, embodying qualities of authority and military prowess.

Trend Summary

Walter has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the early 20th century and gradually declining in recent decades.

Similar Names

WalterinoWaldoWallaceWarrenWilburWilfredWendell

Variants

  • Walt
  • Walther

International Variants

  • Gualtiero (Italian)
  • Valter (Scandinavian)
  • Walther (German)

Famous people named Walter

Walter White is a fictional character best known for the television series Breaking Bad.

Walter Cronkite is a journalist best known for his role as a news anchor on CBS Evening News.

Walter Payton is a former professional football player best known for his career with the Chicago Bears.

Walter Mitty is a fictional character best known for the short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and its film adaptations.

Walter Becker was a musician best known as a co-founder of the band Steely Dan.

Walter Gropius was an architect best known for founding the Bauhaus school of design.

Walter Scott was a writer best known for his historical novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy.

Walter Lippmann was a journalist and author best known for his work in political commentary and the book Public Opinion.

Walter Benjamin was a philosopher and cultural critic best known for his essays on aesthetics and modernity.

Walter Isaacson is a biographer and journalist best known for his biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Walter Salles is a film director best known for directing The Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station.

Walter Hill is a film director and producer best known for directing The Warriors and 48 Hrs.

Walter Koenig is an actor best known for his role as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek.

Walter Murch is a film editor and sound designer best known for his work on Apocalypse Now and The English Patient.

Walter Mosley is an author best known for his Easy Rawlins mystery series.

Walter Cronkite is a television journalist best known for his work as a news anchor for CBS News.

Fictional characters named Walter

Walter White is a fictional character from the TV series Breaking Bad. He is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer.

Walter Mitty is a fictional character from the short story 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' by James Thurber. He is a daydreamer who escapes his mundane life through vivid fantasies of adventure and heroism.

Sibling Suggestions

WilliamWesleyWhitneyWinstonWaylonWyatt

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Walter was first seen in the United States in 1880. Walter has ranked as high as #22 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Walter has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Walter (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 90
8%
CA 75
6%
GA 57
5%
WI 56
5%
OH 48
4%
MI 48
4%
MN 48
4%
NY 48
4%
NC 46
4%
PA 45
4%
MO 44
4%
TN 43
4%
IL 40
3%
FL 37
3%
WA 36
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,755
18811,670
18821,805
18831,705
18841,902
18851,808
18861,880
18871,704
18882,040
18891,916
18901,905
18911,668
18922,229
18932,004
18942,010
18952,015
18962,017
18971,895
18982,002
18991,750
19002,298
19011,718
19021,858
19031,840
19041,873
19051,902
19061,934
19072,095
19082,192
19092,287
19102,596
19113,074
19125,809
19136,890
19148,962
191511,255
191611,760
191712,582
191813,338
191912,879
192013,294
192113,004
192212,631
192312,433
192412,696
192512,130
192611,774
192711,346
192810,651
19299,850
19309,731
19318,940
19328,668
19337,755
19348,092
19357,816
19367,536
19377,486
19387,559
19397,323
19407,723
19417,746
19428,681
19439,035
19448,159
19457,574
19468,668
19479,217
19488,627
19498,296
19507,798
19518,037
19527,899
19537,509
19547,486
19557,299
19567,020
19576,706
19586,313
19596,129
19605,766
19615,467
19625,280
19635,066
19644,844
19654,484
19664,056
19673,810
19683,589
19693,570
19703,584
19713,356
19722,917
19732,627
19742,487
19752,358
19762,102
19772,185
19781,991
19792,122
19802,010
19811,990
19821,912
19831,767
19841,689
19851,689
19861,715
19871,574
19881,610
19891,612
19901,614
19911,539
19921,421
19931,356
19941,152
19951,062
19961,035
19971,027
1998896
1999918
2000949
2001826
2002833
2003775
2004766
2005770
2006850
2007810
2008764
2009789
2010784
2011801
2012805
2013939
2014987
20151,157
20161,172
20171,366
20181,313
20191,282
20201,240
20211,281
20221,278
20231,274
20241,264